A press release issued by the IMDA, promoters of the Springfield Nationals

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (January 5, 2012) - The Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, has hosted more AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship races than any other venue in the history of the sport. 112 Nationals have been held at the prestigious Fairgrounds. Not only does it offer a rich tradition in dirt track racing but Springfield has also hosted a variety of racing disciplines. With 88 mile races, 13 short tracks and 11 TT races, it's no wonder Springfield is known as the flat track fraternities racing capitol. The second race on the AMA Pro Flat Track schedule with more history then all the other tracks is Peoria, Illinois with 82 Grand National races. It becomes very clear, if you want to see the best racing there is, you need to get to Illinois.

This year it is more important than ever to attend the Springfield races. Because of the difficult economic times and the high cost of holding these races, this will be the last year for the Short Track and TT races. Perhaps in the future when times get better and there is more demand to see the singles races, they can return but for 2013 they will not be on the schedule. This has been a very difficult decision for the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association (IMDA) who started the extra events in 2000 when the new Multi-Purpose facility was built at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Jay Hall, president of the IMDA said, "We regret that we have been forced to make this decision but in order to keep our association going we have to do this, at least for now. We take great pride in what we have been able to do for this sport but for 2013 we will focus on mile races which is the most historic and why Springfield is so well known."

Tickets for all four IMDA promoted Grand Nationals at Springfield are now on sale. If you have always wanted to attend the Saturday night TT and/or Short Track races, 2012 is your last chance. You can order tickets by calling the IMDA office at 217-753-8866 or 888-468-1622. You can also stop at your local motorcycle dealer. If they don't already sell Springfield tickets, let them know you want them to. Any motorcycle dealer is eligible to become a ticket outlet.

About the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association:
Since 1971, the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association has represented dealers of all brands of motorcycles and has been providing assistance to motorcycle dealers, enthusiasts and Illinois Legislators. The I.M.D.A. has experienced phenomenal growth over the years, especially showing great success in the following areas:

• Legislation regarding franchise bills, and helmet laws
• Assistance to State and Federal agencies
• Garage liability and worker's compensation
• Assisted in establishing Illinois' Motorcycle Safety Training Program
• Assisted in providing funding protection for the Motorcycle Safety Training Program
• Returned AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship motorcycle races to the historic "Springfield Mile"